Entry-level healthcare administration jobs: 6 roles explained
Non-clinical roles that run patient access, billing, records and scheduling. 6 starting roles in healthcare administration, with what each one does and the skills it takes.
Healthcare administration roles
- Patient Access Representative
0 open now
A patient access representative registers patients, verifies insurance and collects information at hospitals and clinics. No clinical training is needed; accuracy and kindness are.
Skills: Customer service, Insurance basics, Data entry accuracy, Medical terminology basics
- Medical Receptionist / Scheduler
0 open now
A medical receptionist runs the front desk of a practice: greeting patients, scheduling visits, handling calls and keeping records ready for clinicians.
Skills: Scheduling, Electronic health records, HIPAA privacy, Customer service
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
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Medical billers and coders turn care provided into the codes and claims that insurers pay. Entry roles often ask for a certificate or a certification such as CPC or CCA.
Skills: Medical coding (ICD-10, CPT), Medical terminology, Claims software, Attention to detail
- Health Unit Coordinator
0 open now
A health unit coordinator handles the non-clinical paperwork on a hospital unit: orders, charts, phones and visitors, so nurses can focus on patients.
Skills: Medical terminology, Electronic health records, Multitasking, Calm under pressure
- Health Information Technician
0 open now
Health information technicians organize and protect patient records and make sure they are complete and accurate. Many roles ask for an associate degree or a certificate.
Skills: Electronic health records, Coding basics, HIPAA, Attention to detail
- Clinical Research Assistant
0 open now
A clinical research assistant helps run medical studies: enrolling participants, collecting data and keeping records that regulators can audit.
Skills: Attention to detail, Research ethics and consent, Data entry, Medical terminology
Other kinds of entry-level work
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